I had the WORST night last night.

[Pacifist Patriot]

I tossed and turned until well after midnight.

I had my own bed in an air conditioned bedroom in which to toss and turn.

My four year old came in at 2:00 a.m. to let me know he had thrown up on in his room.

I had cleaning materials at hand and knew where all my children were.

My two year old came in at 4:30 a.m. thinking it was time to play.

I had a child oblivious to deprivation and despair.

My four year old added diarrhea to the mix at 5:45 a.m. leaving a trail through my bedroom and bathroom.

I have the electricity necessary to wash sheets and clothes in hot water and clean cool water to keep him hydrated.

My eight year old who usually sleeps until 8:00 inserted himself into the mix at 6:30, just as I was lying down again, whining about being hungry.

I have plenty of food and the luxury to unleash him on the kitchen to help himself.

I am going to be unbelievably tired as I drag myself through the day with three children.

I have a husband with a job who can take time off during the day to come home and relieve me for a nap.

I had the BEST night last night.

[Solly Mack]

1. exactly

I don't know what a bad night really is

[mopaul]

2. you don't know what you've got until you lose it

i know

[Pacifist Patriot]

10. How are you doing?

You are from the area, no?

[IdaBriggs]

3. Nicely said! nt

[expatriate]

4. I had such similar thoughts all day today.

(My day is ending, I'm on the other side of the world)

I have comfort, a means of warmth, food, a toilet, a bathtub, clean clothes. Nationalized medical care.

My family member in New Orleans has none of this and I can't find him or get him help.

So many people in the world who don't have these basic comforts.

[Pacifist Patriot]

8. I have a family member in New Orleans as well.

I'm very sorry you can't find him. I would be frantic.

My cousin was able to evacuate to her in-laws so I know where she is. They have lost everything as well, but according to her "We are soooo lucky. We have our lives, an education, insurance and family to turn to for help. We are very fortunate."

[mirandaod]

5. Gratitude for all our blessings.

I found myself apologizing to God for all the griping I did about those kind of nights when my kids were small. I really had no real problems.
Hug your familly close, and enjoy that nap.

[Richard Steele]

6. Brilliant! recommended for "greatest". nt

[wakeme2008]

7. second nom nt

[Sugarbleus]

11. third nomination...EXCELLENT post n/t

[patricia92243]

9. Wonderful! Thanks for reminding me of my blessings. n/t

[SalmonChantedEvening]

12. Hug your children and your husband for me please.

That was beautiful. Thank you

:hug:

[Wabbajack]

13. That still sucks with your kid crapping on the floor like that

:)

[Pacifist Patriot]

15. Yeah, especially since my dryer is broken.

Oh well, I'm seeing clear skies. My neighbors will just have to deal with an inordinate amount of laundry drying on my patio. Now to tackle the heinous smell of the dressing room carpet. Ew!

[Wabbajack]

16. Why would they mind laundry drying on YOUR patio?

[Pacifist Patriot]

17. They wouldn't. I'm just speculating on how much will be out there.

I don't think my neighbors will be able to tell I have a patio when I'm done. LOL!

[Donailin]

14. Perspective is EVERYTHING

bad things can happen to anyone at anytime. We need to live for the day, count our blessings and spread them as far and wide as possible.

I hear a young girl -- a victim of Katrina in NO -- say this: "My mon always taught me that if you help one person, you help the whole world"

[yowzayowzayowza]

18. Indeed.

See sig.

[SemperEadem]

19. there are people all over the world

who do not have what you have, be that through location, war, natural disasters, or something man-made.

[Pacifist Patriot]

20. I'm a "bleeding heart"

I've been aware of this for quite a long time. War and political oppression trump a natural disaster every day of the week.

[fluffernutter]

21. thank you for so eloquently expressing my feelings.

[driver8]

22. Amazing post! I often think how lucky my family and I are...

roof over our heads, clothes on our backs, food to eat, water to drink, warm and dry place to sleep...the catastrophe in New Orleans really puts things into perspective.